Category: NSW News

New scholarships will help veterinary students complete clinical placements in regional NSW, supporting workforce development and encouraging more graduates to pursue careers in rural and regional communities.

The Minns Labor Government today announced at Charles Sturt Univeristy in Wagga Wagga the creation of 94 scholarships for veterinary students to undertake work placements in the bush and regional areas.

This initiative is part of the Minns Government’s plan to address the veterinary workforce shortage in NSW, particularly in regional areas and to maintain a well-functioning veterinary profession to safeguard animal and public health and welfare, plus manage biosecurity threats.  

The Regional Placement Scholarships Program is providing financial support of between $1,500 and $3,000 for 94 veterinary students from Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the University of Sydney (USYD), to complete their unpaid clinical placements in regional areas.

Students placed in regional veterinary practices experience first hand the benefits of living in regional NSW, and are more likely to be enticed back when they finish their studies, playing a role in supporting the state’s critical agricultural industry.

According to the Australian Veterinarian Association the veterinary workforce shortage is particularly acute in regional areas, with 44 per cent of advertised jobs left vacant for more than 12 months, compared to 28 per cent left vacant in metropolitan areas.

Vet students are required to undertake at least 52 weeks of unpaid work placement and financial pressures are a significant reason many students drop out.

The NSW Government is rolling out a series of support programs to get vets into regional NSW and boost services across the state, by delivering the following:

• The Minns Government’s Welcome Experience Program which has supported the placement of 44 veterinarians and veterinary nurses across NSW so far (by 30 June 2026).
• $900,000 in funding to support to veterinary hospitals for small capital expenditure, consumables and operating costs to assist with wildlife treatment.
• Work is underway to reform the Veterinary Practice Act so it is modernised, and increases workforce capacity and capability and better protects the mental health and wellbeing of the veterinary workforce

These scholarships are higher for those completing placements in large/mixed animal clinics, that are critical to the agricultural industry. They include:

• $1,500 for a small animal regional veterinary placement
• $3,000 for a large/mixed animal regional veterinary placement, and
• $3,000 for a Local Land Services regional district veterinary placement.

As well as easing the financial burden through the Regional Placement Scholarship, the NSW Government through The Welcome Experience can offer relocation advice, help in finding temporary housing and facilitating new social connections.  

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“The Minns Government is committed to ensuring our state has a thriving veterinary profession working closely with our farmers, regional families and part of the team addressing biosecurity threats.  

“Regional NSW has a higher rate of veterinary shortages than the cities and we need to focus on solving that issue with these scholarships. That is critical for maintaining both our livestock industry and our regional lifestyle.

“Regional NSW has much to offer young professionals and by supporting these students spend time undertaking their work placements in regional and rural areas we will make a difference down the line.

“Attracting a sustainable veterinary workforce to regional NSW is a priority and so is developing a thriving veterinary profession across the board, and our Government will continue delivering reforms and initiatives to make that happen.

President of the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW, Dr Magdoline Awad said:  

“The Veterinary Practitioners Board welcomes this initiative, which provides students with financial support to pursue opportunities to move beyond the classroom and into real clinical settings, building confidence and practical skills.

“Placement costs can be a real barrier for students, especially when they are unpaid and involve travel and accommodation in regional areas. Anything that helps ease that pressure makes a meaningful difference.

“Regional practices give students exposure to a wide and varied caseload, particularly in large and mixed animal work, and that hands-on experience is invaluable in preparing them for everyday veterinary practice.”

Vet Scholarship Case Study: Leigh Henson

“I’ve had incredibly positive placement experiences throughout my degree so far.

“Placements are invaluable opportunities to develop the skills and experience needed for professional practice.

“However, they can be financially challenging due to the costs of travel, accommodation and groceries, and the demands of placement often prevent us from working.

“Financial support through scholarships makes a significant difference, helping us manage these costs and fully engage with every placement opportunity.”

Vet Scholarship Case Study: Noah Esmonde

“Our placements are an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience.

“Throughout my degree I have done many placements on farms and in vet clinics across Australia.

“It’s the best way we can apply our learning, improve our communication skills and network across the industry.

“As well as being great for our learning, the placements are a requirement to complete our course, and travelling so much, costs a lot of money.

“Each placement is three weeks and across our final year we end up doing 30 weeks of unpaid placement.

“Scholarships like this large animal scholarship allow students like me the opportunity to travel and experience as much variation as possible.

“It also means that the financial stress that all full-time university students struggle with is reduced and means we have more time to study and focus on our learning.”

Vet Scholarship Case Study: Jasmine Wholton

“The costs associated with work placements are significant.  

“Many veterinary clinics simply don’t have the capacity to offer accommodation to students, as their priority has to be looking after their staff – which is completely understandable.

“If we limit ourselves to only doing our placements at clinics that are able to offer accommodation, we miss out on some amazing places.  

“This scholarship has made it possible for me to complete placements in rural clinics including three weeks in Holbrook.

“When we do our placements, we should be focused on trying to put our best foot forward and learn as much as we can, but instead we’re often worrying about how we’ll afford three weeks of unpaid work, while also juggling final exams and planning the next placement.

“This scholarship has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. Having the accommodation costs looked after is one less thing to worry about, and it’s allowed me to fully focus on gaining the experience I need.” 

A draft 20-year plan for the Illawarra Shoalhaven has been released for public exhibition, outlining a vision for housing, jobs, infrastructure and environmental protection across one of NSW’s fastest-growing regions.

The Minns Labor Government is backing the Illawarra Shoalhaven and helping it plan for a strong future with the release of the draft Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Plan.

The Illawarra Shoalhaven is one of the state’s fastest growing regions and the Plan will help cement its position as a globally connected hub for investment, innovation, jobs and a great place to live.  

The draft 20-year Plan, which is now on exhibition, will guide the region’s long-term direction for homes, jobs and infrastructure investment.  

It has set clear goals to help deliver 117,000 more homes, more than 101,000 new jobs and mapped out the delivery of critical infrastructure such as transport, roads, schools, and health services to make sure communities across the region can continue to thrive.  

With the Illawarra Shoalhaven expected to be home to an extra 161,000 people by 2046 it’s critical we create a clear vision now which can make sure the growth of homes and jobs happens in the right places.  

For the first time the draft Plan sets a benchmark for jobs growth targets for each local government area in the region.  

Through this planning it has identified Port Kembla, the Wollongong Health Precinct, Shellharbour Airport and industrial lands around Nowra as key locations to drive employment and economic growth.  

Additionally, it acknowledges the need for improved transport connections between Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, and Shoalhaven and stronger connections to South West Sydney and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, which is an emerging epicentre for employment and investment opportunities.

The Plan also highlights the increasing connectivity and strengthening economic, social and strategic relationship of the region with South West Sydney by bringing the Wingecarribee Local Government Area into Illawarra Shoalhaven region.  

To continue to support vibrant communities around 80 per cent of housing growth will be focused around key urban centres like Wollongong, Shellharbour, Bowral, Kiama, and Nowra with access to jobs, transport, schools and services.

This reflects recent work around Transport Oriented Development precincts in Corrimal, Dapto, and North Wollongong, and will help councils identify opportunities for more housing to make sure there is a steady supply of feasible development-ready land.

Building on this the Plan will strengthen vibrant centres and public spaces across the region, including key destinations such as Wollongong Stadium and WIN Entertainment Centre, the Nowra Riverfront and Warrawong Parklands, alongside beaches, national parks, and other community spaces.

It also prioritises protecting the Illawarra Shoalhaven’s unique environmental assets, while creating new opportunities for First Nations land management and stewardship.

Importantly, the Plan supports the delivery of Australia’s first Urban Renewable Energy Zone, helping position the Illawarra Shoalhaven at the centre of the state’s clean energy future.

Following the release of the NSW Government’s draft Sydney Plan in late 2025, the draft Illawarra Shoalhaven Plan is the next region plan to be released as part of a new generation of simpler, action-focused plans.  

Together, these plans will support a more consistent, coordinated and fit-for-purpose planning system that delivers on the NSW Government’s broader planning reforms flowing from the passage in November 2025 of legislation to overhaul the nearly 50-year-old Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

Once finalised, the Plan will make sure the region’s growth is well-planned and support a more connected coastline with liveable communities, backed by a strong economy.

The community have until Monday, 28 September 2026 to have their say on the Plan.

For more information and to view the draft Plan, visit NSW Planning.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast and Member for Keira Ryan Park said:

“The Illawarra Shoalhaven is one of the most beautiful regions in New South Wales, and this Plan will help ensure it remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.

“As the region continues to grow, we need to make sure we deliver the infrastructure, services, and jobs to grow with it

“We’re planning for the years to come by creating more opportunities close to where people live, whether that’s new jobs, more homes or better-connected communities.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“The Illawarra-Shoalhaven is one of the country’s great regions and through this plan for the region we are helping build a bright future for it.  

“By including the Wingecarribee region for the first time this recognises the growing social and economic connections between the Illawarra and southwest Sydney.  

“Through its jobs targets the Plan is backing the region’s economic future. Driving key employment precinct in Port Kembla, the Wollongong Health Precinct, Shellharbour Airport and industrial lands around Nowra while also strengthening ties to the emerging innovation and investment hub that is Western Sydney Aerotropolis.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:  

“This Plan puts communities at the centre and invites people to have their say on how Shellharbour and the wider Illawarra Shoalhaven grows and evolves over the coming decades.

“It in particular highlights important investments to upgrade Shellharbour Hospital and the crucial role Shellharbour Airport will play as an economic anchor for the south of the region.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“This plan creates a clear road map so we can get growth right for the South Coast and broader region – coordinating homes, jobs, transport and infrastructure so our region can thrive over the next 20 years.

“For the South Coast in particular, it lays crucial groundwork for a secure jobs future by identifying industrial land around Nowra as a key employment centre for the region.”  

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:

“This is an opportunity for local communities to help shape the future of Kiama and the broader the Illawarra Shoalhaven, and I encourage everyone to have their say.

“It spotlights some of the great housing projects already being delivered in our region like the Bomaderry build to rent project that is providing a vital boost to our regions rental housing availability.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart said:

“The Illawarra Shoalhaven has always been a place of opportunity, and this Plan gives us the roadmap to continue building an ever brighter future.

“It sets a clear intention tap into the growing opportunities offered by strengthening the economic, social and strategic relationship of the region with South West Sydney in which the Heathcote electorate will play a vital role.” 

The NSW Government is moving ahead with critical water and wastewater works to support housing growth in the community of Wilton in Sydney’s south-west.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering the homes, the infrastructure, and the essential services communities need as part of one plan.

Wilton Stage 2 will enable water and wastewater services for about 4,000 new homes in the area, doubling the total servicing capacity across Wilton to around 8,000 homes and businesses.

This investment builds on major work already underway, ensuring essential water and wastewater infrastructure keeps pace with population growth, allowing more families to move to one of the state’s key growth areas.

Sydney Water has already begun construction in Wilton Stage 1, which is upgrading the existing Wilton Water Resource Recovery Facility and building new pumping stations, reservoirs and pipelines.  

In another major delivery milestone, Sydney Water has awarded Haslin Constructions the contract to upgrade the Wilton Water Resource Recovery Facility.

The upgrade will significantly increase local wastewater treatment capacity to support future growth while helping reduce truck movement through the area.  

Stage 2 is now in the early planning and design phase with planning and pre-delivery activities underway, including partnering with NSW Government property developer Landcom on its North Wilton development. Stage 1 works are on track for completion at the end of 2027.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build better communities by delivering homes alongside essential infrastructure and services.

NSW Minister for Water, Rose Jackson:

“We need and want more homes but they can’t be built without the essential pipes and pumps that support them.

“For too long, a lack of investment in essential infrastructure has created headaches for housing growth. Our government is doing things differently.

“We are making sure water and wastewater services keep pace with demand, giving thousands more families an opportunity to call Wilton home.”

Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan:

“I acknowledge this is a significant milestone for this growing community in Wollondilly. A long-standing problem with housing growth in areas with inadequate but necessary water and sewer services has been solved.  

“The community can look forward to another Wilton infrastructure project moving from planning stage to construction stage. When completed, this essential sewer infrastructure project will put an end to Wilton Green residents having their have sewerage collected and transported out by trucks.  

“Also, this exciting announcement will have capacity to service new home approvals in the future to about 8,000 new homes in total across the three estates in Wilton.”  

Sydney Water Managing Director, Darren Cleary:

“Sydney Water Managing Director Darren Cleary said Stage 1 work was already taking shape across Wilton while planning and pre-delivery activities progress for the next stage of growth.

“Wilton is growing quickly and we’re working hard to deliver the infrastructure required to support that growth now and well into the future,” Mr Cleary said.

“Five new reservoirs are nearing completion, a new pumping station is about to be commissioned, and Wilton High School will be connected to our network ahead of its opening.

“We’re also supplying recycled water to the high school grounds, Hannaford Oval and Bingara Gorge Golf Course to help keep these important community spaces green, while making better use of our water resources.

“The next stage of our work will expand water, wastewater and recycled water servicing to support around 4,000 more homes and provide greater certainty for Wilton’s continued growth.” 

Sixteen NSW sporting organisations will share in $500,000 to deliver 19 projects aimed at getting more women and girls into sport and keeping them there as part of the Minns Labor Government’s four-year Play Her Way strategy to help women and girls get into sport and stay in it.

The projects will build career pathways, drive inclusive cultures, and lift participation for women and girls across NSW.

Grants of $3,000 to $45,000 were awarded to NSW State Sporting Organisations and State Sporting Organisations for People with Disability across four funding streams. Applicants could also partner with academies or organisations already working with women, girls, and under-represented communities to deliver their projects.

Projects funded through the Play Her Way Innovation Program include:

Triathlon NSW received $45,000 for Tri Her Way, a women-led digital triathlon club that will create a safe, inclusive and connected online community where young women can build skills, connect with others and participate in the sport.

NSW Rugby Union received $44,983 for Rugby Her Way, a female-focused participation and development program designed by women to support new and returning players while building the skills and confidence of players and coaches.

Motorsport Australia received $45,000 for AccelerateHER NSW: A Connected Pathway for Girls in Motorsport, delivering school programs, mentoring opportunities and a regional rally school to encourage more girls and young women—particularly first-time and regional participants—to get involved in motorsport.

Athletics NSW received $5,000 for Her Track, Her Career, creating a structured internship program to provide young women with career pathways and practical experience in the sports industry.

Volleyball NSW received $45,000 for CoachHer, a flexible leadership and coach development program that will support more women to become coaches through inclusive and hybrid training opportunities.

For further information, including the list of recipients visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Play Her Way Innovation Program is helping more women and girls access the opportunities, support and pathways they need to participate and thrive in sport.”

“This funding will help sporting organisations test new ideas, create more welcoming environments and open up more opportunities for women and girls to get involved and stay involved.

“The Play Her Way Innovation Program is about giving sporting organisations the tools to make lasting change, so the next generation of women and girls can see a place for themselves in every part of sport.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is working to empower women and girls to participate in sport at all levels.

“It’s great to see so many different organisations receiving the Play Her Way grants so that together we can develop inclusive cultures and remove barriers across sport for women and girls.

“These projects will provide safe and supportive environments for

them to not just participate but develop into coaching and leadership positions.”

Triathlon NSW CEO Adam Wicks said:

“We are incredibly grateful to the NSW Government for supporting innovative approaches that help more women and girls connect with triathlon.

“This funding will enable us to create a women-led digital triathlon club specifically designed for women aged 16-25, providing a safe, flexible and supportive community that overcomes many of the traditional barriers to participation.

“All the benefits of a the traditional ‘membership’ with the added benefits of being online and virtual, creating online communities.

“Importantly, the initiative will be shaped by the very women it aims to support.

“We know that participation looks different for everyone, particularly for young women balancing work, study, family and other commitments.

“By leveraging technology and online engagement, we can create stronger connections, build confidence, and belong, and provide new pathways for more women to discover and thrive in our sport.”

Dozens of new rescue jet skis will soon be patrolling the NSW coastline, following the Minns Labor Government’s record $23 million investment in water safety.

Ahead of the summer patrol season, Surf Life Saving NSW’s rescue fleet has been bolstered with 67 jet skis now delivered, strengthening the existing network of emergency response assets.

The latest fleet of jet skis are fitted with upgraded rescue and safety technology, including live feed tracking systems and Personal Locator Beacons – helping volunteer rescuers respond more effectively in demanding surf conditions.  

The most recent locations benefitting from the rollout include:

• Byron Bay
• Ballina
• Evans Head
• Clarence
• Woolgoolga
• Coffs Harbour
• Redhead
• Catherine Hill Bay
• Terrigal
• Avoca
• Copacabana
• Malabar
• Shellharbour

Lifesaving technologies such as Rescue Water Craft (jet skis), drones and Emergency Rescue Beacons are now positioned up and down the NSW coast, supporting rapid year-round emergency response and safety for communities and visitors.

Over the past three seasons, nearly 1,000 rescues have been performed by jet ski – almost 300 of during the 2025/26 season.

In addition to delivering the strongest ever rescue fleet contingent, the Minns Labor Government has invested in 64 Emergency Response Beacons at known ‘blackspot’ locations – with a total of 68 now installed and operational in NSW.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“We’re delighted that the Minns Labor Government’s record investment has supported Surf Life Saving NSW to bring the statewide strength of jet skis up to 67 – creating the most comprehensive rescue capability our state has ever seen.

“From the North Coast to the Illawarra, this will mean more communities are better protected year-round, not just during the summer patrol season.

“Not only will they save the lives of community members and visitors, but they will reduce the risk for our volunteers when they go to the aid of others.”  

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO, Steve Pearce said:

“Jet skis are the backbone of our Rescue Services response capability, especially away from patrolled locations and in search and rescue situations.

“The continued support of the NSW Government ensures our volunteer surf lifesavers have access to modern, purpose-built equipment that enables faster response times, improved safety for rescue personnel and better outcomes for those in need along the state’s coastline.

“We’re really pleased that in addition to supplying the fleet of jet skis across the state, operators who use the new equipment will also be fitted out with a complete suite of PPE including personal flotation devices, helmets, trauma kits and full-length wetsuits.”

In a major boost to road safety, the Minns Labor Government is investing $230 million towards 83 targeted safety upgrades across the state, to tackle high-risk locations and help save lives.

The next stage of the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program is delivering practical improvements on state roads which are designed to reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes.

These safety upgrades will deliver important road infrastructure at locations identified to be high-risk that the community has long called for. This includes safety barriers, rumble strips, shoulder widening, upgraded intersections and new and improved pedestrian crossings.

The 83 funded projects span both metropolitan and regional NSW, focusing on high-risk locations, known crash hotspots and key transport routes.

The investment is part of a $2.8 billion commitment over four years for road safety in the 2026-27 NSW Budget, with 62 per cent of road safety funding in 2026-27 to go to regional areas.

Among the major upgrades to be delivered are:

• a $30 million program to install targeted sections of continuous safety barriers along the Hume Highway from Mittagong to the Victorian border, improving protection for motorists on one of the state’s key freight and regional routes
• a $13.9 million upgrade along the Newell Highway between Tocumwal and Forbes, including targeted barrier installation and line marking improvements to reduce the risk of serious crashes on a critical regional link
• a $7.3 million upgrade at the Great Western Highway and Kington Street intersection in Minchinbury, delivering new traffic signals to improve safety at a busy Western Sydney intersection
• a $7 million upgrade at the Old Hume Highway (Remembrance Driveway) in Camden South, delivering new traffic signals at Wire Lane and Elizabeth Macarthur Avenue that locals and the Member for Camden have long advocated for
• a $5.9 million intersection and pedestrian safety upgrade on the Great Western Highway at Emu Plains, including new traffic signals, safer crossings and changes to reduce conflict points for drivers and pedestrians; and
• a $3.1 million upgrade of the Beecroft Road and Kirkham Street intersection in Beecroft, including new traffic signals.

Development of several projects has already begun.

The remaining safety improvements will be developed and delivered over the next three years to support safer journeys for motorists, passengers, freight operators and local communities.

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:

“Every life lost on our roads is one too many. These targeted upgrades are about making high-risk areas safer and helping more people get home to their loved ones.

“We’re investing in practical safety improvements where they’ll have the greatest impact, reducing the risk of serious crashes and saving lives across NSW.

“From safety barriers and safer intersections to better pedestrian crossings, these 83 upgrades are focused on preventing crashes before they happen and reducing the severity when they do.

“The $2.8 billion investment from the Minns Labor Government in the recent Budget reflects our commitment to the Towards Zero vision, and to making roads across the state, safer for everyone who uses them.”

The Snowy Mountains community is a step closer to a new state-of-the-art Jindabyne ambulance station, with construction underway.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park and Member for Monaro Steve Whan today joined paramedics for a sod turn event, marking the start of works for the Jindabyne Ambulance Station.

Hines Construction has been appointed to deliver the project following a competitive tender process.

The new Jindabyne Ambulance Station is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $236.1 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration Program and will include:

• six internal ambulance vehicle parking bays, including a dedicated wash bay
• administration and office areas
• staff amenities including a gym
• on-site parking
• logistics and storage facilities.

The new station will be located on Kosciuszko Road, west of Snowy Mountains Grammar School.

The station’s location will provide direct access to the major road network, supporting timely emergency response across Jindabyne and the wider Snowy Mountains region.

The purpose-built ambulance station will replace the existing station at Thredbo Terrace, Jindabyne, providing modern infrastructure to support local paramedics and enhance emergency healthcare for the community.

Site establishment works are underway with construction activity on site to increase in the coming months.

Construction is expected to be completed in late 2027.

The NSW Government’s Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration Program has already delivered 53 new, rebuilt or upgraded ambulance stations across rural and regional NSW to boost frontline emergency care.

In addition, the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program is delivering 30 new ambulance stations and supporting infrastructure across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Hunter and Illawarra regions over the coming years.

The NSW Government is recruiting an additional 500 paramedics for rural and regional areas, to strengthen emergency and mobile healthcare services across the state.

For more information visit: www.nsw.gov.au/jindabyne-ambulance-station

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“Today’s sod turn marks an exciting milestone for the new Jindabyne ambulance station, with construction now underway on this important project for the Snowy Mountains community.

“This new station will provide local paramedics with modern facilities designed to support them as they continue delivering high-quality emergency care.

“We’re building more ambulance stations and recruiting more paramedics in regional NSW, delivering faster response times and better outcomes for patients.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan:

“It’s fantastic to see construction officially commence on the new Jindabyne ambulance station.

“The Nationals said they had a plan, but failed to deliver anything. This milestone reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering better health infrastructure for the people of Monaro and the wider Snowy Mountains region.

“Jindabyne is growing quickly, and the town deserves a modern and fit-for-purpose ambulance station, and I look forward to watching the station take shape over the coming months and seeing the benefits it will deliver for our local community for years to come.”

Construction of the new Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital building is nearing completion, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of expanded healthcare services for the region.

Communities across the Shoalhaven region are one step closer to a new, modern and purpose-built hospital, with construction of the centrepiece building for the $440 million Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital now substantially complete.

The substantial completion of the new seven storey Acute Services Building marks a significant milestone, bringing the region closer to a modern health facility that will support the healthcare needs of the Shoalhaven community for generations to come.

The Acute Services Building will house a range of new and expanded services and facilities, becoming a health hub for the region and supporting the growing local population.  

With the new building undergoing final testing, construction is now focused on finishing the remaining external works of the redevelopment, including the link bridge connection to the existing hospital building, main entry, as well as the installation of artwork and landscaping.

The new building is expected to open to patients later in 2026, following the completion of operational commissioning activities, led by Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.  

The operational commissioning phase is integral to ensure the building is safe and ready for patients, staff and visitors. It includes equipment testing, delivery of furniture and fixtures, training teams, performing clinical scenarios, and checking emergency systems.  

Once operational, the new Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital will provide the majority of emergency, critical care, acute, sub-acute and non-admitted health services locally, reducing the need to transfer patients to Wollongong and Sydney.

The new acute services building will directly connect to the existing hospital via a new linkway, and includes:

• a new emergency department and emergency short-stay unit
• new intensive care unit
• medical wards
• a dedicated acute mental health unit
• double the number of operating theatres, endoscopy and procedure rooms
• a dedicated cardiology inpatient unit, coronary care unit and cardiac catheterisation laboratory
• new medical imaging unit, including MRI and CT machines
• a new rooftop helipad

Once services move into the new Acute Services Building, the project focus will turn to the refurbishment of the existing hospital, with works expected to be complete in 2027.  

The redevelopment has provided a significant boost to the local economy during construction, with close to 70 per cent of the workforce based locally. It is estimated that the project has supported around 800 direct jobs, and hundreds of indirect jobs over the life of the project.  

Consultation with staff, patients and the community has been a key part of planning and design for the redevelopment, ensuring the new hospital meets the unique health needs of the Shoalhaven region.

Staff, patients, and the community will be kept informed, with an opening date for the new building to be announced shortly.  

Labor is making the long-term investments into recruiting more staff and building more hospitals to better meet the growing health needs of our community and relieve pressure on our health system.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We are delivering more hospitals, more beds, and more health staff for the growing communities in the Illawarra.

“This is an important milestone for the hospital. We can’t wait to see the new building open its doors to patients later this year.  

“The Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment is part of more than $1 billion in health infrastructure investment across the Illawarra Shoalhaven region, including Shellharbour, Wollongong and Milton Ulladulla.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler:

“This is a proud and significant milestone for the Shoalhaven community, bringing us closer to the opening of the modern hospital our growing region needs and deserves.

“The new Acute Services Building will transform healthcare on the South Coast, delivering expanded emergency, intensive care, surgical, cardiac, mental health, and medical imaging services closer to home. Importantly, it will mean fewer patients and families having to travel to Wollongong or Sydney for essential care.

“I thank the hospital staff, patients, and community members whose experience and input have helped shape this redevelopment, as well as the hundreds of local workers who have contributed to its construction.  

“This $440 million investment is about ensuring our community has access to high-quality healthcare now and for generations to come, and I look forward to welcoming patients, staff, and visitors into the new building later this year.”  

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney:

“This once in a generation investment in the Shoalhaven will mean that residents in the Kiam Electorate will have a better access to healthcare closer to home.

“I’m looking forward to seeing our expanded emergency department and intensive care unit open this year to meet the demands of our growing community.

“More mental health places, increased surgical and allied health capacity will result less time travelling for local patients.  

“Importantly we are also investing the extra staff and investing $21 million in building and securing housing for our growing hospital workforce, and paying them what they are worth so we can attract and keep them in our regional hospitals.” 

The Minns Labor Government has delivered a cleaner and safer future for the Lower Hunter community with clean-up works at the former Truegain waste oil processing plant in Rutherford now complete.

The Truegain site was one of the most contaminated pieces of land in the Hunter.

The site has undergone a two-stage remediation process over the past few years, led by Property and Development NSW’s Waste Assets Management Corporation (WAMC) and backed by $19 million in NSW Government funding.

Stage 1 involved the removal of more than 11,000 tonnes of industrial liquid waste, sludge, and above-ground infrastructure, including over 400 storage tanks and intermediate bulk containers, from the site. This phase was completed in late 2023.

The recently completed Stage 2 involved the removal of approximately 15,000 tonnes of contaminated soil from the 1.2-hectare site. It also included the removal of hydrocarbon impacted concrete slabs and the excavation of underground infrastructure including a 50,000-litre underground tank.

Now remediation works are complete, the site is suitable for commercial or industrial use.

The former waste oil processing plant was abandoned in 2016 when Truegain lost its trade waste permit, had its environment protection licence suspended and entered liquidation.

For more information visit the Truegain site remediation webpage.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“With the completion of remediation work, what was once a blight on the local landscape has been transformed into a space that can be used to benefit the entire Maitland community.

“Since the site became the Government’s responsibility, we have made cleaning up this site our priority. We want to ensure future generations are not left with the legacy of gross environmental mismanagement.

“Property and Development NSW have done a good job of remediating this site. The agency is also remediating other sites across the Hunter, including the former Waratah Gasworks in Newcastle.”

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:

“The remediation of the former Truegain site is a huge relief to our community. Thanks to Property and Development NSW, one of the most polluted sites in the Lower Hunter is now cleaned up, bolstering safety and amenity for the Rutherford community.

“Everyone deserves to live in safe and clean environment, which is why the Minns Government prioritised this project.”

Local resident Ramona Cocco said:

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in cleaning this site up. It was a mammoth undertaking.

“It is so nice to know that we, as a community, can finally move on and this site can be reused in a way that’s beneficial to us all.”

A new bridge on the existing alignment has been identified as the preferred option for replacing the ageing northbound Sheahan Bridge, pending further design and environmental assessment.

Planning work to replace the ageing northbound Sheahan Bridge on the Hume Highway at Gundagai has taken a step forward, with building a new bridge in the same location identified as the preferred option following detailed investigations.

The Albanese Government has committed $16 million, with the Minns Government contributing $4 million towards planning and investigations to replace the northbound bridge. The replacement would safely accommodate larger, more productive freight vehicles along Australia’s busiest road freight corridor while improving safety, reliability and travel efficiency for everyone using the highway.  

Investigations found replacing the bridge on its existing alignment provides the best overall outcome balancing freight efficiency, construction impacts as well as environmental and community considerations. It also addresses the maintenance challenges associated with the ageing northbound bridge.

Built in 1977, the northbound Sheahan Bridge was designed and built to the standards of the time and cannot accommodate larger freight vehicles. By comparison, the southbound bridge, which opened in 2009, was built to modern standards and can accommodate these vehicles.

Allowing larger, more productive freight vehicles such as A-doubles and B-triples to use both bridges would mean more freight could be moved with fewer trucks, improved freight efficiency and traffic flow, and more reliable journeys for all road users.

A range of options were assessed by Transport for NSW to determine the safest, most efficient and best value long-term solution

Transport for NSW will now progress the concept design and environmental assessment, with the community invited to have their say in mid-2027.  

More information about the preferred option can be found at Transport for NSW Sheahan Bridge Upgrade

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:

“The Hume is the busiest freight corridor in the country, and it is essential it remains safe and reliable so we can keep goods moving.

“An upgraded bridge over the Murrumbidgee River will be able to accommodate longer trucks, as they move goods from Sydney and Canberra, down to Melbourne and onwards to Adelaide”.  

NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:  

“The Sheahan Bridge has served motorists for decades, and it’s time to plan for its next chapter so it continues to support the people that rely on it.

“Having a long-term plan for the northbound bridge is a crucial investment in the future of one of NSW’s busiest transport links, ensuring it continues to meet the needs of motorists for generations to come.

“This preferred option is about making sure the Sheahan Bridge remains a reliable gateway on the Hume Highway, supporting regional communities, strengthening freight, and improving the overall experience for motorists.”

NSW Labor Spokesperson for Cootamundra, Stephen Lawrence:  

“Delivering a new Sheahan Bridge is a sensible next step to better support larger freight vehicles on the Hume Highway.

“This new build, made alongside the Albanese Federal Government, would reduce the number of freight vehicles on this crucial link, while maintaining freight capacity to Sydney from the NSW southwest.”